What Do Americans Call Bookies?
As a long-time gaming enthusiast and self-proclaimed sports betting historian, allow me to clearly state upfront – Americans typically refer to bookmakers as "bookies." But sports gambling terminology has evolved almost as much as sports themselves.
Back when I first started researching odds in the 90s using the library microfiche, your neighborhood bookie was the only game in town. But times have changed, my friends. With the repeal of PASPA in 2018, the floodgates opened to legal sports wagering across much of the US. So let‘s break down the lingo American gamblers use in 2024 when talking about those who take bets:
Bookies – Your Friendly Neighborhood Gambling Guy
The term "bookie" harkens back to the days of underground sports gambling rings and guys named Vinny meeting you under the bleachers to pay out your bets. Bookies made their own odds, took bets illegally, and often had ties to organized crime. Hence the sleazy stereotypes.
But nowadays in legal markets, regulated sportsbooks have virtually replaced old-school bookies. So when you hear someone referring to their bookie these days, it likely means they still use an illegal gambling operation due to lack of access to the legal market. Naughty, naughty!
Sportsbooks – The New Vegas of Sports Betting
With states across the country legalizing sports wagering, regulated "sportsbooks" have emerged as safe, legal bookmakers you can access online or in-person. Brands like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and more are becoming household names.
These licensed operators have fancy online platforms, slick mobile apps, bonuses for new users, and even celebrity endorsements from folks like Jamie Foxx. A far cry from your shady neighborhood bookie named Paulie!
| Year | Revenue (in billion $) |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 4.29 |
| 2022 | 5.8 |
| Projected 2023 | 7.9 |
With 30 states now live, the legal US sports betting market is absolutely booming compared to just a few years ago. Sportsbooks are spending big on advertising and promotions to hook customers as market share wars heat up.
"Take this free $1000 bonus bet from BetMGM now!" Sure, I‘ll take your money, fancy regulated sportsbook. My old bookie Vinny never gave me a dime!
Oddsmakers & Linemakers – Math Geniuses Setting the Lines
The folks who actually set those betting lines and odds are called oddsmakers or linemakers. These behind-the-scenes math wizards analyze team stats, weather data, injury reports, and more to determine spreads and prices on each game.
Sportsbooks then use the lines set by oddsmakers to structure their available bets. Bettors wager on the outcomes the oddsmakers foresee as most probable.
It‘s a lot more data analysis and number-crunching than my old bookie did on his flip phone while running the corner store. Vinny was never busted for point shaving like Tim Donaghy – but he was no mathematician either!
The Future of Sports Betting Slang – Goodbye Bookies?
While the sports betting lexicon will continue evolving alongside gaming technology, I expect the term "bookie" will fade away outside of portrayals in movies like The Hustler. American gamblers nowadays have safe, regulated options that offer way more than old-school bookies ever could.
Why meet up with Vinny under the bleachers when I can use my phone to instantly place bets safely on dozens of sports from my couch? And with potential country-wide legalization on the horizon, regulated sportsbooks seem poised to eliminate bookies as we know them.
I‘ll drink to that! Just don‘t let my bookie Vinny know I said all this. No one deserves cement shoes just for giving their buddies gambling advice. But when it comes to wagering, I personally enjoy advantage player bonuses from trusted brands over questionable practices of corner store bookies.
So there you have it – a detailed breakdown of the evolution of American sports betting slang from this bettor‘s perspective. Let me know if you need any advice on where to safely place your next wager! Just keeping that old-school bookie mentality alive as a courtesy for my fellow gamblers.
